The best places to shop in Amsterdam, for any budget!

September 14, 2014

Amsterdam is a city famous for its excellent shopping, with a huge selection of everything from high-end couture to vintage thrift stores. Whether you’re looking to grab a bargain, or to spoil yourself a little bit, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Dutch capital.

High Fashion

If you’re looking for some wishful window-shopping or to treat yourself to something a little bit special, then head to Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstrat in the museum quarter for some of Amsterdam’s best high-end stores. Not only will you find stores from the likes of Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, but there are also boutiques from more exclusive brands. For even more exclusive shopping, try Beethovenstraat, with famous Dutch designers such as Pauw taking up residency, as well as jewellers and other specialist shops. There is even The English Hatter, providing a range of fine hats aimed at the English gentleman.

Thrift Store

Vintage shopping adds an extra element of excitement to the whole experience. Trawl through thrift stores and flea markets in the 9 Streets district, with a number of stores stocking male and female fashion from the 50s to the 80s, and more. Head to Out of the Closet, a US vintage chain-store, on Jodenbreestraat and check out the bargains, with the added knowledge that any money you spend is going to help fight HIV and AIDS around the world. Waterlooplein is home to a permanent flea market, which stocks everything from second-hand clothing to military surplus wear, plus lots more. There are more markets every Monday at Noordermarkt and once a month the NDSM Wharf is taken over by a huge flea market where you can get lost for a good few hours.

Trawling for Records

Amsterdam is famous as a musical city, and there are a number of cool record shops around the city that will excite any music-lover. Head to Concerto on Utrechtestraat, a small independent record store which opened in 1955 and has been a local favourite ever since. Redlight Records on Uderkerksplein stocks a more modern selection of house, hip hop and other dance genres, while Vintage Voudou on the same street sells a range of Afro-Caribbean genres. City Records on Geldersekade stocks a traditional selection of jazz, soul, blues and classical music and if you’re looking for a truly special record store experience, then check out Any Old Time Records. Opening to the public for just 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon, you can also book an appointment at any other time for a personal-shopper experience.

Department Stores

Department stores are a great way to dodge the rain and get some shopping done. De Bijenkorf department store in the Dam Square area is an excellent destination for major brand shopping, with a huge range of Dutch and international brands available inside. For more mainstream offerings, try the nearby Magna Plaza shopping centre behind the Royal Palace. Head to Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s main shopping street, and find Kalvertoren, a large department store which stocks the likes of Nike, H&M, Levis and other big brands.

For Foodies

If you’re a food-lover then you’re probably wondering where you can buy local produce and delicacies in Amsterdam. Head to Albert Cuypmarkt and you can find a selection of local cheeses and snacks such as stroopwafels. Ten Katemarkt on Kinkerstraat is another market offering a good deal of locally-grown and sourced food so you can stock up before you head home!

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